Cruises Inc-Glen Smith

24/12/2018

Merry Christmas to you all from Bath, England my home away from home until mid-January.

27/09/2017

Cheryl and I took an AMA Waterways cruises on the Seine River early this past summer. I could go on forever telling you what an enjoyable experience it was, but let me simply say it may have been the best vacation I have ever had. Since it is on a river you always have something to see looking out the windows. With less than 170 passengers you get to know most passengers as well as the crew, even the Captain and Cruise Director. The meals were fantastic. The excursions were hosted by the most informed and knowledgeable guides.

I have put together an AMA Waterways Danube River group cruise for early next spring. There are several cabins available with a $1000 per person discount this month. It will be $750 in October. There is no single passenger supplement which mean one person must only pay the regular per person fare and go alone. There is an optional 3 night stay in Prague. From Prague, we will go to Vilshofen to begin the 7 night cruise. There will be stops in Passau, Linz, Weissenkirchen, Vienna, Bratislave and finish up in Budapest. AMA Waterways is one of the absolute best in river cruising. Everything is included except adult beverages during the day. However, beer and wine are included at lunch and dinner. All the excursions are included. Since the ship docks in the city you are ready to go by walking off the ship. Excursions are small groups usually 10 or less divided up by easy walker, normal walker, or hiker. The ship carries its own bikes so you can take off on your own or take a guided ride.

Message me and I can give you complete details.

Our ship inspired by classic ocean yachts, the 162-passenger AmaCerto introduced in 2012, provides a distinctive river cruise experience. Spacious, elegantly appointed staterooms range in size from 160-290 sq. ft. or indulge even more in one of the suites at 300 sq. ft. Most accommodations have twin balconies, both a French and outside balcony, so you can enjoy the ever-changing scenery however you wish. Additional stateroom amenities include Entertainment-On-Demand, featuring free high-speed Internet access, unlimited Wi-Fi, movies, music and English language TV stations; climate-controlled air conditioning; and an in-room safe. In the marble bathroom, enjoy multi-jet showerheads, soothing bath and body products, robes and hair dryers. Suites feature added enhancements, including a larger sitting area with sofa and two chairs, and an expansive bathroom complete with a bathtub and separate shower. The AmaCerto offers a host of added comforts and conveniences, including a massage and hair salon, gift shop and specialty coffee station. The stunning Main Lounge provides an exhilarating backdrop for meeting your fellow guests and enjoying nightly entertainment. As a member of La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs, the exclusive international culinary society, you'll be treated to exquisite, locally-inspired cuisine always paired with unlimited wine, as well as beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner. You'll also relish a variety of dining venues, including The Chef’s Table specialty restaurant, featuring an exquisite tasting menu prepared right before your eyes. With a walking track and heated swimming pool on the Sun Deck, a fitness room and a fleet of onboard bicycles to use on your own or on one of the many guided bike tours, as well as healthy menu choices, you’ll have everything needed to stay active and healthy while sailing Europe’s great rivers.

02/06/2017

Just 70 miles northeast of Bath is Highclere Castle perhaps better known as "Downton Abby" from the TV series of the same name. If you enjoyed the series then a tour of the castle, gardens and grounds is a must if you come to the UK. It is only 60 miles northwest of London. A train will get you close enough for a cab ride to the castle. Plan ahead as it is only open 65 days a year. Go to their web site to check dates and purchase tickets in advance. Most often walk up tickets are available. Lunch, snacks and tea are available and reasonably priced. Plan to spend the better part of a day enjoying Highclere.

01/06/2017

A visit to Cornwall would not be complete without seeing the Batallack mines, another UNESCO site, which was the setting for the BBC series "Poldark" that can be viewed on Netflix. Tin, copper and arsenic were mined here from the 1700's until finally closing in the early 1900's. The courthouse is now a museum, on top of the cliffs are the remains of arsenic smelting ovens and the old engine houses are down by the sea from which the tunnels extended below the sea and land. On the way back to Bath, but still in Cornwall the last stop was St Ives a very popular town on the beach.

31/05/2017

In the USA it was Memorial Day weekend but in the UK it was a "Bank Holiday" weekend and we went to Cornwall located in the most southern tip of England for the weekend. The sunset was on the first evening. The view of the coast was from the Minack Theatre which was hand built in the early 1930's into the stone cliffs. Of course driving on the two way country roads is always fun. Cornwall most likely would not be one of your must see places if you are coming to the UK but it should be. There is so much to see and do.

23/05/2017

Sunday roast in Bath at the Hounds and Hare. Sunday roast is a mainstay in England. It can be beef, chicken, or pork but it includes all the vegetables and Yorkshire pudding. No charge for the view.

17/05/2017

As I mentioned before there is so much to see in the UK besides London. Bath is just about 100 miles west of London, an easy train ride by the way. The entire city of Bath is an UNESCO World Heritage site the only city in the UK so designated. The Bath Abby pictured here dates to the 7th century when it was founded, rebuilt in the 12th and 16th century. We are going to attempt to climb up it to the top. It was a Roman outpost so of course there needed to be a place to bath in the naturally hot waters of Bath. Bath also claims Jane Austen whose home is a small museum. It is a good time to visit as 2017 is the 200th anniversary of her death. We are going to be here for awhile so more about Bath to come.

15/05/2017

On our way to take a AMAWaterways river cruise from Paris to Normandy and back so I can tell you more about river cruises we stopped in the UK first. This is the Sardiff Castle in Sardiff capital of Whales. There is so much more to the UK than just London.

15/05/2017

10/02/2017

This stunning rock formation is home to one of the 7 temples in this area, can you guess the location?

07/02/2017

Embrace the detours, it's part of the fun!

06/02/2017

So many beautiful places around the world, Santorini is on the top of the list. Do you agree?

02/02/2017

Let the sea set you free!

27/01/2017

A must do this summer. Completely disconnect for a few days…

24/01/2017

Have you ever made a friend while on vacation that you still keep in touch with today?

21/01/2017

When visiting Hawaii, make sure you go to Maui and do "the road to Hana" for some of the most breathtaking views you will ever see… black sand beaches, waterfalls and stunning scenery.

18/01/2017

Soak up every minute.

12/01/2017

If you visit this island, a must see place is "El Morro". What island is it?

10/01/2017

Some of the best times come from things you never thought you would do!

09/01/2017

Our BEST promotion of the year has finally arrived!! Contact your Vacation Specialist for details!

05/01/2017

What a great feeling, to be able to completely disconnect for a while...

03/01/2017

If you are looking for privacy on your next cruise and you happen to be on a Celebrity ship... Look for these awesome seats!

30/12/2016

Many countries have unique New Year's traditions. In Colombia and other South American countries people run around the house or down the street with their suitcase to ensure travel for the new year.

28/12/2016

Where are you planning to travel to in 2017?

22/12/2016

Sunsets while cruising… they never get old.

20/12/2016

Sometimes we are so busy worrying about our family, job and everyday things, we forget to be good to ourselves…

16/12/2016

Nothing beats some fresh air and a little bit of sunshine.

14/12/2016

On what island can you find these two volcanic mountains?

08/12/2016

Have you ever been to a new place that made you look at the world in a new way?